Tummy Tuck: Q&A
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Will Low Hemoglobin Level Affect Tummy Tuck?
I will have a tummy tuck on 03/22. After testing, I have a 7.9 HGB. The Dr said he can not operate on me unless I bring that up to 11. I started taking Slow Fe Iron 45 mg, and a Vitamin B complex with Folic Acid today. I also bought liver, spinach, lentils, almonds, dried apricots, beets, and other high iron foods. Do you think my levels will increase that soon? Do you recommend I postpone the surgery another month or so and continue with this high iron regimen? I am 42 yrs old, 5'3", and weigh 143 lbs.
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12 Doctor Answers |
Asked by
sandyrames
in Miami, FL
+5
Low hemoglobin and Tummy-Tuck
Thank you for your question. Your hemoglobin is quite low and you should contact your family doctor in order to find a cause for it. There is no doubt that your hemoglobin must be closer to 12 for a cosmetic procedure. Keep in mind that tummy-tuck surgery, often associated with some liposuction, will give you a lower hemoglobin post-operatively secondary to blood lost. You want to avoid blood transfusion for a cosmetic procedure. Low hemoglobin post-op can be...
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+4
Will Low Hemoglobin Level Affect Tummy Tuc
We try to minimize risks for all elective surgery, and a low blood count is an avoidable risk. The amount of iron supplement you are taking is rather small. The usual anemia does will be 650 mg daily.
More important that fixing this is finding the cause, and for this you should be seeing your primary physician for evaluation rather than self medicating. This is a very low hemoglobin and the cause should be determined as a priority.
It takes about a month before oral iron kicks...
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+3
Low Blood Count Prior to Tummy Tuck
I would recommend that you get your anemia checked by a hematologist or your internist. Get their recommendations as to the cause of the anemia and the subsequent treatment. If this can not occur in a reasonable time prior to 3/22 then the surgery needs to be postponed.
Dr. ES
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+2
Low hemoglobin affects T.T ?
Having a good hemoglobin is esencial for any surgery but yes especially for a large surgery like a Tummy Tuck it is important to have at least between 11 and 12, during a tummy tuck alone there is not that much loss of fluids so hemoglobin does not go that much more down , but usually it is combined with liposuction and that makes the hemoglobin diminish a certain percentage beacuse of fluid loss so if your at a 11 y can go down to a 9. It does not affect the result of your tummy tuck or the...
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+2
Tummy Tuck
Remember your tummy tuck is an elective procedure designed to bring a positive change. To maximize your chances at a successful surgery you want to be in the best preop condition as possible. Your hemoglobin is definitely low and needs to be improved. Your surgeon has given you safe advice on that point. You also need to consult with your regular medical doctor to determine why your blood count has drifted so low. This will be important for your overall health...
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+2
Anemia and cosmetic surgery
Your hemoglobin levels are very low and you definitely need a workup by your family physician at minimum to determine the cause. Your surgery should definitely be delayed until your levels are stable. You will have some blood loss with a tummy tuck, so starting at a low level is not good for your overall health. Remember, a tummy tuck is an elective surgery and should only be done on healthy patients. Good luck!
+2
Low Hemoglobin and Tummy Tuck
Your doctor is correct to postpone your surgery. It sounds like you are doing are the right things to raise your levels. Unfortunately, it is hard to determine how fast your hemoglobin level will rise. It is important to find the cause of your anemia to properly treat it. You should consult with your PCP to perform a work up prior to your surgery.
+2
Cosmetic Surgery
Thank you for the question. You received good advice and starting iron supplements should help. Best wishes for a good result. Dr Thomas Narsete Austin, Tx
+2
Low blood counts and cosmetic surgery
If your blood count is low, you'll need to address the cause of it and make sure it's at a good level before cosmetic surgery. I also get clearance from the patient's primary care doctor before any surgery. Good luck!
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+2
Anemia before tummy tuck
Your surgeon is smart. Your hemaglobin is too low. I suspect it will take a bit longer to raise it and you might want to postpone. The more important question is "why?" is it so low. Anemia can be from many reasons including heavy menstrual bleeding, poor nutrition and slow bleeding from your GI tract. You should really see a good internist or family medicine doc to find out the cause.
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